Maurizio Sarri reveals which Chelsea player has surprised him the most

Chelsea players (L-R) Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's Spanish defender Marcos Alonso, Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa and Chelsea's Brazilian defender David Luiz celebrate on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Hull City and Chelsea at the KCOM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, north east England on October 1, 2016.
Chelsea won the game 2-0. / AFP / Lindsey PARNABY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)

Maurizio Sarri admits he has been surprised by David Luiz’s intelligence since arriving at Chelsea. The Italian took over from Antonio Conte in the summer and Chelsea remain unbeaten in all competitions so far this season. Luiz was left out of the team during Conte’s final campaign as manager but the Brazilian has returned to the side to forge a solid partnership with Antonio Rudiger in central defence. And Sarri says he has been impressed with Luiz’s contribution. ‘There is an infinite passion and what I have seen so far, it has been expressed in the right way,’ Sarri told Gazzetta dello Sport.

‘Correcting mistakes is the question of time. The limited time we have for [tactical] training does not help the coaches but I believe in the players. ‘We must not think only of the physical component, but also of the mental component.

‘David Luiz surprised me with his awareness and intelligence, [Ross] Barkley has found continuity after a long period marked by injuries. ‘Willian is a player of immense quality. His style of play is perfect for England. ‘And [Alvaro] Morata is a quality, fast and technical guy. He has a great sensitivity and the difficulties had hurt him.’